Goforth Earns Top Honors at Ceremony
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Dillon accepts one of many letters of commendation from District FCF President, Eugene Bowman. |
MERIDIAN, MS - October 26, 2002
Dillon Goforth of Outpost 12 in Meridian, MS, received the Gold Medal of Achievement on October 26, 2002. The Gold Medal of Achievement (GMA) is the highest advancement award a boy can earn in Royal Rangers. District Commander, Wesley Harmon, presented the GMA to Dillon in a ceremony in his honor at First Assembly of God in Meridian. He is only the 4547th young man in the United States to receive this award since its inception.
Dillon began his Royal Ranger experience as many boys do on a campout with his local outpost. His commanders found him in his tent playing a video game, relatively uninterested in the camping experience. With a lot of encouragement and his first merit camp, he was well on his way to achieving high goals in Royal Rangers. Dillon explains what Royal Rangers has helped change his life:
"Royal Rangers has helped to mold me into the Christian that I am today. It has helped to change me into someone who did not care about anything or anyone into someone who cares about everything. When I first started in Royal Rangers I did not care about advancement and I was very lazy and just wanted to have fun. I did not really believe that I could accomplish anything in Royal Rangers. However, Royal Rangers has taught me that I all things are possible with Jesus and that I could change."
He goes on to tell how his love for camping made him interested in The Frontiersmen's Camping Fellowship. He is currently serving as the FCF Chapter Scout. Dillon plans to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy after he graduates from High School.
The Gold Medal of Achievement ceremony began with the Color Guard's presentation of the Colors and pledges to the U.S., Royal Rangers and Christian flags. Senior Commander, Pete Manley, was the emcee of the ceremony and sang a song in honor of Dillon. Several District leaders were on hand to participate in the ceremony. District Training Coordinator, Kenny Richardson, read a list of Dillon's accomplishments followed by some words of appreciation by Pastor Robert Null.
District Commander, Wesley Harmon, conducted the GMA ceremony. He presented the GMA medal to Dillon's Mother, Pam Goforth, for the pinning. Commander Wesley then lead Dillon in the GMA Charge. He also awarded Dillon the Junior Commander Bars.
Commander Pete read several of the letters from various dignitaries including President George W. Bush and First Lady, Laura Bush. Other letters were received from Senator Thad Cochran and Trent Lott, National Royal Ranger Commander, Richard Marriott, Regional Coordinator, Jim Seagroves, and many more.
Following a message by District Commander Harmon, everyone attended a reception banquet. It was a very nice evening and honored Dillon.
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